People's Democratic Autocracy of Arborea
 | This article needs more links to other articles to help integrate it into the encyclopedia. (September 2022) |
People's Democratic Autocracy of Arborea | |
|---|---|
 Flag
 Coat of arms
| |
| Motto: "Sor Ventus Fortis" (fortune favours the brave) | |
| Official languages | English, Scots Gaelic |
| Demonym(s) | Arborean |
| Government | Democratic Autocracy |
| Establishment | CCCP established 2008, Reformation 1 April 2011 |
| Population | |
• Census | 15; 2 people, 2 dogs, 2 sheep, 3 ducks, 5 chickens, 1 cat |
| Currency | NZ Dollar |
| Time zone | UTC+12 |
Website http://www.arborea.webs.com | |
Arborea, officially the People's Democratic Autocracy of Arborea, is a territorial micronation situated near the city of Gisborne, New Zealand. It claims territory of 4062 m2 and is ruled by His Highness Tsar William I. Arborea was officially founded on April 1, 2011, after the Reformation of the Commonwealth of Cooperative Capitalist Provinces (CCCP), which also included the now semi-autonomous Bay and Lakeside Provinces. Arborea is thought to be the first micronation with a national brewery. Being located at approximately 178° E Arborea is the first micronation on earth to see the sun rise every day.
Etymology
Arborea (ar-bo-REE-ah) is derived from the adjective arboreal meaning of or pertaining to trees. Following the Reformation of 2011 and subsequent relocation of the capital territory of the former CCCP, the name Arborea was chosen to symbolise the existing ecosystem of the newly acquired land and also the ideals of sustainability and environmentalism.
The people of Arborea chose to retain the Tsar as head of state following the Reformation, thus the designation of People’s Democratic Autocracy was coined. It is widely held by Arboreans that referring to their country as a Democratic Autocracy is no more confusing than referring to North Korea as a Democratic Republic.
History
The Commonwealth of Cooperative Capitalist Provinces
Arboeran history begins in 2008 when the (then) Tsarevich became disillusioned with the political climate of his homeland, New Zealand, and decided the time was right to exercise his own nationalist principles. Though there is debate about the actual date, some time in mid-2008 the Commonwealth of Cooperative Capitalist Provinces was founded, and Tsar William I proclaimed ruler.
The CCCP claimed territory in the form of three provinces, all surrounded by the territory of New Zealand. The original capital province was located within the city of Palmerston North, Bay province in Hawke’s Bay, and Lakeside province near the southwestern edge of Lake Taupo. Despite friendly relations with the micronations Molossia and Vikesland, recognition of the CCCP internationally was sluggish. Internally things were not much better, as the Tsar’s other commitments were rather important and time consuming. The Commonwealth remained largely unrecognised and unimportant globally until early 2010.
Relocation of the Capital Territory
January 2010 saw the relocation of the capital territory to Gisborne, on New Zealand’s sunny east coast. Suddenly the Tsar had more time for affairs of state and more resources at his disposal. A website was established, the Commonwealth Brewery began production, and the CCCP began pursuing its lofty goal of self-sufficiency. The National Oceanographic Research Agency (NORA) began its mission to uncover the mysteries of the deep, and a system of honours was developed. By the winter of that year (southern hemisphere winter lasting from June to August) vegetables were growing in the capital territory, whose population had now grown to include 2 people, a dog, and a goldfish.
The Reformation and post-Reformation Arborea
The upheavals seen in the Arab world in early 2011 did not spare the Commonwealth. The Reformation occurred on April 1, 2011, and saw the old CCCP constitution rescinded by the Tsar. Bay Province and Lakeside Province were granted semi-autonomy. The capital territory relocated again, this time to a grander, more rural setting outside Gisborne, and was renamed Arborea.
The new, more permanent location for Arborea provided great resources and opportunities for the Arborean people. Pastures now provided grazing for sheep, a workshop allowed Arborea Heavy Industries to begin producing items such as housing for chickens and raised garden beds. Permanent vegetable gardens and the Arborea Bioreactor Project were established, and the population swelled to include (as at July 22, 2011) two people, two dogs, four chickens, two ducks, two sheep, and a cat.
Government
Arborea is ruled by the Tsar, who holds all legislative and executive powers. The Tsar is also the head of state for the Commonwealth of Cooperative Capitalist Provinces, whose member states include Arborea and the semi-autonomous Bay and Lakeside Provinces.
Environment
Geography
Arborea is a relatively flat micronation. Land use is roughly equally divisible between agricultural, forest, and residential.
The main agricultural region is the Great Plain, which accounts for about 25% of total land area. The verdant pastures of this plain provide food and shelter for Arborea's sheep flock. The Great Plain is bounded to the north and east by New Zealand, to the south by the Arborea-New Zealand Highway, and to the west by the Tsar's Estate and Arborea Heavy Industries. The only hill present on the Great Plain is the Grassy Knoll, which provides shelter for sheep during inclement weather.
The western border of Arborea is the Mahunga drain, a waterway of exceptionally variable flow and water level. This provides an important refuge for Arborea's ducks.
Climate
Arborea enjoys a relatively dry, sunny, temperate climate with an annual average of 2 200 sunshine hours.
Self-sufficiency and environmental policy
Arborea has banned hormonal plant sprays, incandescent light bulbs, and American cars. Green waste is composted through the Arborea Bioreactor Project, and as much other waste as possible is recycled. Arborea does not import water at all, relying instead on the natural precipitation that falls on the nation.
A major goal of Arborea is to become the world's first self-sufficient micronation. The Arborea Horticultural and Agricultural Bureau (AHAB) produces a variety of fresh vegetables, fruit, and eggs, as well as chicken and lamb. More ambitious future projects include solar water-heating and solar power for Arborea Heavy Industries Inc. The National Oceanographic Research Agency (NORA) occasionally supplies fresh seafood - a byproduct of their "scientific experiments." This is considered much more sustainable than Japan's whaling for "scientific purposes."
Defence
Like any other nation, Arborea reserves the right to maintain the ability to defend itself from aggression, both foreign and domestic. The task of protecting the sovereignty of Arborea and its citizens is undertaken by a single, streamlined, multi-role organisation named the Arborea Defence Service, or ADS. The word “service” was chosen over “force” which was deemed “too aggressive” by the Tsar, and the acronym for Arborea Security Service was not aggressive enough.
The ADS therefore undertakes the roles which in most countries are managed by many separate military and civil groups, namely:
- Territorial defence and security, by land, sea, and air;
- Crime prevention and investigation;
- Emergency response;
- Intelligence gathering;
- Counterintelligence;
- International peacekeeping roles.
The bulk of the military arm of the ADS is taken up by the Arborean Foreign Legion. An emulation of the French Foreign Legion, membership of the AFL is open to all nationalities, and service of five years guarantees a legionnaire honorary Arborean citizenship. The motto of the AFL is "Do unto others before they do unto you."
Economy
Trade
Arborea enjoys a unilaterally recognised Free Trade Agreement with its closest trading partner, New Zealand.
Arborea is a net importer of goods and services, however this reliance on importation is gradually lessening. The growing of fruit and vegetables, along with the introduction of livestock, including egg-laying ducks and hens, has significantly reduced the nation's reliance on overseas supply for these food items.
Industry
The chief industry in Arborea is agriculture (including horticulture). Arborea is currently self-sufficient in egg production thanks to its chickens and ducks, and has a growing vegetable and fruit supply.
Secondary to agriculture are the production of various wooden items by Arborea Heavy Industries Inc. and alcoholic beverages by the Commonwealth Brewery, including beer and wine.
Science and exploration
The largest and most influential scientific organisation in Arborea is the National Oceanographic Research Agency (NORA). Its role is to investigate the rivers, lakes, and oceans of the world in order to gain a better understanding of their processes and ecosystems and how they contribute to life on earth. Occasionally NORA's research involves removing fish from rivers or the ocean for scientific purposes - a practice that has drawn criticism in the past. Officials from NORA argue that this is far more justifiable than the killing of whales by Japanese fleets for scientific purposes.
Culture
Arborea boasts 100% literacy among its human population, and a high level of education among its citizens.
Sport
National sports include Fishing, Archery, and Equestrian. Cricket would be included in this list if Arborea had the population required to field a team.
Rugby Union has a strong following in Arborea, especially the Tsar's favourite team, the Hawke's Bay Magpies, upon whose uniform the national flag is partly based.
Arts
Woodworking, painting, and music are important to the national identity of Arboreans. There is also a universal appreciation of cinema and ballet.